Benefits of Urban Farming

Urban farming refers to farming done in populated areas like cities, towns, and villages. It basically is the same with traditional farming with the only major difference being the location where the farming-related activities are done. Urban farming does not only involve planting crops and vegetables for example but may also include aquaculture and the rearing of animals for food production. Advocates of urban farming point to the following benefits:

1. Boost in local economy

Since farming activities are done within a locality, a city or a town’s own economy is boosted with additional goods production. With more goods being produced, more jobs will also be generated for this purpose. Jobs may be found in the cultivation or processing parts of the food source but may also be plentiful at the distribution stage. With more goods to dispose off, entrepreneurial activities among local residents will also be boosted.

2. Increased food security

With food sources being cultivated, produced, or processed within a local community, residents will have more food security. Not having to source food requirements from other cities or countries is a great step for every locality in terms of sustainability.

3. Improved food quality

Since the farming is done in a local neighbourhood or village for example, people will have better quality control from planting, cultivation, to processing and even up to distribution. With easier supervision of the farming process, food quality is greatly improved.

4. Promotion of greener environment

All the activities related to urban farming generally create a sense of a greener and healthier environment. As farming is done near one’s home for example, people will appreciate more of the benefits of this activity. And with this greater appreciation for urbanized farming activities, more people will also be engaged in related activities that have a good impact to the environment.

Because of the various benefits of urban farming, many cities, towns, villages, and other urbanized areas try to apply it in their own locality. Urban farming also gets the support of the people easily because of what it can contribute to them and the local economy.